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Historic cottage Portland Botanic Gardens

Heritage Service

As the first site of permanent European settlement in Victoria, the Glenelg Shire has a wealth of history within its boundaries.

Our heritage is a significant economic and social asset which gives the Glenelg Shire so much of its distinctive appeal. Glenelg Shires heritage is everywhere. It is represented in commercial buildings, hotels, churches and schools. It is also reflected in the historic landscape.

The Council's Planning Unit operates a Heritage Advisory Service which is free to all residents in the Glenelg Shire.

Council also offers loans and grants for Heritage Building and Places on a dollar for dollar basis. Click here for the Heritage Loan and Grant Scheme webpage or on the link below.

Hundreds of historic buildings, civic objects, public art and monuments are listed on the Glenelg Shire Council’s heritage database, and the Council’s cultural collection ranges from social history items, to works of art, to objects of maritime significance, and a photographic collection documenting the Port of Portland.

Iconic pieces in the collection include the Henty Plough, used by the Henty brothers in 1834, and two magnificent oil paintings by Thomas Clark of Muntham Station and Portland Bay.

Aspects of the cultural collection are housed and displayed at History House (the original Portland Town Hall); Casterton Town Hall; and in the Maritime Discovery Centre on the Portland foreshore.

Heritage Advisor Service

The Heritage Advisory Service is available for onsite inspections of property shire wide, or in Council’s Portland Office. Advice can be sought on all matters heritage including grants and loans, renovations/restorations to modern additions on existing heritage buildings.

To arrange an appointment please contact Tammy Hurst at Glenelg Shire Council’s Planning Department, on 5522 2187.

Please note onsite inspections are currently suspended. Advice is still available via a phone appointment.

Heritage Places and Heritage Overlay Planning Fees

Council has approved as of 27 May 2014 that all permits for the retention or restoration of Heritage buildings/artefacts no longer require a planning permit fee for works triggered only by the overlays. This is to assist owners to fund the works required to keep our heritage protected into the future. A copy of the adopted Heritage Fee Waiver Policy please click here.

Owners are also able to apply for grants and loans for works on heritage places/artifacts. Please see our Heritage Grant/Loan Scheme page for more details.

Please note planning permits may still be required. To discuss the need for a planning permit or to book a consultation with Council's Heritage Advisor, please phone (03)5522 2187.

Heritage Strategy 2014/2015

This Heritage Strategy identifies measures Council will take to encourage conservation and enhancement of places of cultural or historical value within the Shire Click Here.